Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has emerged as a primary candidate to rescue the Italian national team following their historic failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Antonio Conte has restored his serial winner status at Napoli, leading them to a Scudetto in 2025 and a Supercoppa Italiana in early 2026.
However, the Conte effect recently faltered against Chelsea. Liam Rosenior’s side came back from behind with a 3-2 victory at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with Joao Pedro bagging a brace.
Before the game, Conte even sent a heartfelt message to Chelsea supporters.
With Italy recently failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, rumours are intensifying that Conte may leave Napoli this summer to begin a second stint with the Azzurri.
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Antonio Conte is named a favourite for the Italy job
According to Repubblica, Filippo Inzaghi, Antonio Conte, Max Allegri and Roberto Mancini are all in the running for the Italy job after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
Between 2014 and 2016, Antonio Conte transformed a limited Italy squad into a juggernaut. He famously masterminded a 2-0 demolition of holders Spain at Euro 2016.
A return would make sense for Italy, but he’s in a good position with Napoli, building something special that has brought them some of their most successful years of late.
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Antonio Conte’s time at Chelsea
Antonio Conte’s two-year reign at Chelsea will always be remembered. He propelled the Blues to the Premier League title in his debut season, which included a 13-game winning streak.
Despite adding the FA Cup in 2018, a falling out with the board over transfer policy signalled the end of his time at Stamford Bridge.
A situation that isn’t too dissimilar to Enzo Maresca, who departed Chelsea after issues with the ownership in a season where he picked up silverware.
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